IF I didn't already have Platycodon 'Sentimental Blue' in my garden, I'd certainly obtain it. In early July, this amusing creature puffs up its flower buds as if to announce "I'm here at last ...do you still love me?" And love it I do, because after these hot-air balloons (which make a loud "pop" if you squeeze them) open, they reveal the most dazzling, violet-blue stars you can imagine. Have a look: Read more » Perennials
Seeds to Winter-Sow: Platycodon ‘Sentimental Blue’
January 17, 2012
IF I didn't already have Platycodon 'Sentimental Blue' in my garden, I'd certainly obtain it. In early July, this amusing creature puffs up its flower buds as if to announce "I'm here at last ...do you still love me?" And love it I do, because after these hot-air balloons (which make a loud "pop" if you squeeze them) open, they reveal the most dazzling, violet-blue stars you can imagine. Have a look: Read more » My Favorite Seed-Suppliers…& Yours (2012 Edition)
January 4, 2012
AS I’VE SAID BEFORE, I rarely buy annual, perennial or vegetable seeds from local vendors. Why? Because their selections are limited to what will fit on a rack. Take, for example, petunia seeds. The local big-box store might sell 3 basic varieties (if you’re lucky). But visit an on-line seed specialist like Summerhill, and you will find 61 petunia varieties, including the delightful ‘Shock Wave Rose,’ pictured above. The following seed-sellers get most of my business: Read more » Winter-Sowing 101
November 27, 2011
BELIEVE IT OR NOT, I start my summer garden in December and January, using a neat trick called “Winter-Sowing.” Winter-sowing is an outdoor method of seed germination (invented by Trudi Davidoff) which requires just two things: miniature greenhouses (made from recycled milk jugs) and Mother Nature. You can winter-sow your way to a beautiful garden, too...for pennies. Read more » A Wondrous Weed
August 15, 2011
WHEN IS A WEED NOT A WEED? When it’s the incredible, edible Portulca oleracea. You might know this prolific plant with succulent green leaves, reddish stems and a prostrate habit as Purslane, Pigweed, Little Hogweed or Verdolagas. But after reading this post, I swear you’ll call it your friend. Look at the health benefits it… Read more »
The Psychedelic Caladium
August 10, 2011
IF YOU HAVE A DEEPLY-SHADED AREA ON YOUR PROPERTY, consider planting Caladium hortulanum there. The leaves, strikingly colored and patterned, are as effective as flowers. I certainly enjoy the psychedelic caladiums that brighten my dark Woodland Garden all summer. Closeups of these deer-proof exotics, and my tips for growing and overwintering them: C. ‘Frieda Hemple’… Read more »
August Flowers: Your Favorites & Mine
August 8, 2011
HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN STACK UP FOR LATE-SUMMER BLOOMS? I’ll admit my own beds are more colorful in April than August. Still, the flowers which do emerge at this time — like the cranesbill geranium above — are choice. Would you like to see them? ‘Rozanne’ is probably the loveliest of all cranesbill geraniums. I… Read more »
An Old-Fashioned Shrub: Deutzia scabra
June 14, 2011
LONG BEFORE THIS 1826 HOUSE WAS MINE, some thoughtful gardener planted four deciduous shrubs in the broad bed outside the parlor (now my music room) window. Three of these were easy to identify: mock orange, azalea and pee-gee hydrangea. But the name of the fourth shrub, which drapes itself in snow-white bloom from June to… Read more »
